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The 2023 Women’s World Cup final takes place between England and Spain at Stadium Australia in Sydney today. Both teams are just one win away from creating history by lifting their country’s first-ever World Cup in the women’s game.
The Lionesses have played their way into the tournament after huge injury problems in the build-up and are looking to take their European success to the world stage. Sarina Wiegman has opted to stick with Ella Toone in her line-up with the returning Lauren James on the bench after her suspension. Spain, meanwhile, have dropped reigning Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas.
Spain, meanwhile, have put a difficult build-up behind them too after off-pitch controversies between the management team and some of the players. They cannot be underestimated after such a breakout campaign in Australia. Follow Spain vs England LIVE via Standard Sport’s dedicated matchday blog, with Simon Collings providing expert analysis from Sydney!
Live updates
England ready for the biggest of games
Millie Bright and Sarina Wiegman believe the Lionesses must play “the game of their lives” to achieve their dream of winning the World Cup.
“It’s incredible what happened,” said Wiegman. “We have felt the support, we have felt the support here, but also from the other side of the world in the UK.”
Bright said: “She would have probably said you were being silly, and it was never going to happen, but I guess dreams come true.”
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Simon Collings in Sydney
Closing ceremony about to get underway here and the stadium is filling up. Fair to say, it feels like England have more support. Not least because Vilda’s name was just booed.
A bucket load of messages from England legends, celebs and more
Gareth Southgate has told the Lionesses: “You’re doing a brilliant job.”
In a pre-game message to the girls alongside the likes of Geri Horner, Yungblud and Aaron Ramsdale (which would be one very interesting taxi ride home), the England men’s boss has said he has “no advice” for their final today.
“You’ve done more than us already and you know what is needed to win,” he adds.
Key battles: Alessia Russo vs Irene Paredes
After a slow start to the tournament, Russo scored in the quarter-finals and semi-finals to announce her arrival on the world stage. The new Arsenal striker has looked reborn playing alongside Lauren Hemp, who creates space for her by running in behind.
The Lionesses will look to use Russo as an outlet, especially because they will aim to play direct and over the Spanish press. Russo will be charged with holding the ball up and bringing others into play. Paredes is an experienced centre-back with almost 100 caps over more than a decade.
The Barcelona star is one of the best defenders in the world and her importance to the team has increased in the absence of Mapi Leon, who was one of 15 players who boycotted Spain’s national team last September, citing a toxic culture created by head coach Jorge Vilda.
Lucy Bronze on pre-match nerves to the BBC
“I dunno, I’m just enjoying the moment like I have in every game.
“Obviously we’ve played twice in this stadium and once against the hosts so it’s quite familiar territory for us.
“A lot of the girls are pretty relaxed and excited from the next 90 minutes.”
Simon Collings delivers his video preview from Stadium Australia
Spain vs England: Countdown to kick-off
The warm-ups are underway!
Rachel Yankey has the ideal way to deal with pre-match nerves
The England legend’s latest column has backed Sarina Wiegman to get the best out of Lauren James as a super sub in today’s final.
Read in full here
Sarina Wiegman gives her per-match thoughts to the BBC
“We’ve spoken about our plan, the strengths and weaknesses of Spain, and about our game.
“What we mostly want to do is play our best game ever and also enjoy the moment because this is very, very special.”
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